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Planned Parenthood Action Fund, All* Above All Action Fund, Feminist Majority, NARAL Pro-Choice America, National Organization for Women, and National Women’s Law Center Action Fund issued a letter to the Democratic Platform Drafting Committee Chair, Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD 7th District), advocating the inclusion of critical reproductive health and rights policies and principles, including access to safe, legal abortion and the full range of birth control methods, autonomy over decisions around pregnancy, and improving women’s health around the world.

Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund

“Make no mistake, women’s reproductive rights are on the ballot this year. This is why Planned Parenthood Action Fund and our partners are calling on the Democratic National Committee to acknowledge that reproductive health care is an essential need and human right. We know that access to quality health care is far from a given for millions of marginalized Americans who face obstacles due to their gender, sexuality, race, immigration status, geographic location and income. These issues are deeply interconnected and must be acknowledged by the DNC in the face of Donald Trump’s sexism and dismissal of women, coupled with a Republican Party platform that continues to make invisible millions of Americans and the challenges they face.

“While too many Republicans in Congress and in states across the country have moved to ban abortion, block access to care, and roll back the ACA, we have seen the Democratic Party work to break down barriers to make it easier – not harder – for people of all backgrounds to access needed care. We ask them to continue this history and expand their platform to further champion reproductive rights, health equity, and the intersectional nature of these issues – to move us toward truly realizing a more equal country.”

The letter addresses many of the intersections of reproductive health and:

Opposition to religious liberty or political ideology being used to interfere with access to health care;

An emphasis on the intertwined nature of economic security and women's health;

A commitment to evidence and fact based policy-making.

Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to have Action Fund member Joseline Mata, a Planned Parenthood of Arizona Board Member** and incoming junior at the University of Arizona, testifying for the Democratic Platform on Friday, June 17.